Test of Metal sells out

Registrants from as far away as the United Kingdom., Yukon Territory, Virginia, Oregon, Ontario, Manitoba, Hawaii, and California raced for the 800 available spots for this year's 12th Test of Metal selling it out by 8:01 pm, just two hours after opening.

"I think that the modification of our registration process helped relieve some of the pressure of last year," said Race Director Cliff Miller, referring to the 41 minute record sell-out for the 2007 event. "We'll never have a spot for everyone, but this seems to be a fair way to go. We've got our 1,000 riders registered and now they can begin their training." Based on past experience, Miller is expecting a 20% attrition race before the event even starts.

The changes in this year's registration included 200 race spots offered in a "locals only" registration on December 1 and the elimination of the waiting list. The locals only registration sold out in just over two hours.

Profits from this year's events will go toward hiring a professional trail co-ordinator. "The impact of this race on our trails is significant and we need have a responsibility to ensure not only that the race course in good shape," said Miller, "but also that Squamish's valuable recreational resource, the mountain bike trails, is maintained."

Entries to the race are still available for those who participate in Test of Metal trail maintenance days.